Kakuzi Plc leads the pack of local Avocado value chain players shortlisted for this year’s Kenya Avocado Industry Excellence Awards 2023 on December 1.

The Avocado Society of Kenya is organizing the fourth edition of the Kenya Avocado Industry Excellence Awards 2023 to celebrate individuals and corporations with outstanding contributions to the Kenyan avocado industry.

 The company has scored nominations in the Avocado Person of the Year 2023, Large Scale Orchards > 200 Acres, Large Scale Exporter > 200 Containers, Growers Nursery- Seedlings and Auxiliary Services Categories.

When he acknowledged the nominations, Kakuzi Plc Managing Director Mr Chris Flowers said the recognition would help foster further professional growth in the fledgling agricultural business sub-sector.

Flowers noted that such rewards are necessary to celebrate value chain players working to guarantee locally produced avocados' quality, integrity, and sustainability.

Other firms nominated in the awards include listed banking solutions provider NCBA Bank Kenya, CFAO Motors Kenya, Murang’a County Government, Kenya Airways Cargo, KEPHIS, and MAERSK Kenya, among others, reflecting the avocado value chain diversity.

While paying tribute to Kakuzi stakeholders for their continued commitment to excellence, he added that the firm will also sustain focus on its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and climate action/sustainability initiatives.

'We continue to encourage and participate in such industry initiatives as part of our corporate commitment to grow the local avocado production and export opportunity,” Flowers said.

 “Kenya is currently ranked fifth in the global production and export rankings of quality avocado. We must continue to work hard to secure this coveted market position locally and internationally through quality-assured production and commitment to sustainability through ESG frameworks.”

Kakuzi’s avocado sales have recently accelerated, with exports to Europe and China peaking.

Further avocado business growth is expected in the harvest season next year as exports to Malaysia and India begin to dispatch.